Remortgage approvals also rose on the month, by 3.9% to 52,100.

Net mortgage borrowing by households was £4 billion in January, slightly below the £4.3 billion average seen over the past six months. The annual growth rate for mortgage borrowing remained at 3.4%.

Richard Pike, Phoebus Software’s sales and marketing director, commented: “This is our first insight into the mortgage lending figures for January and it has to be said that it is a reassuring picture that reflects a boost in confidence since the general election.

“With Nationwide Building Society last week reporting that house price growth is at its highest for 18 months, we are looking at a more buoyant market generally.

“That being said there are a few factors that may well start to weigh heavy on confidence once again. Coronavirus is already having an effect on worldwide markets and, of course, we have the EU negotiations kicking off in earnest again this week. Add to that the impending budget and there is a lot for people to think about.

“Nonetheless, the general malaise the market has suffered since 2016 seems to be behind us for now so we have to be optimistic; the Budget may well give us all a nice surprise.”